Realtors ® Q&A Meet the Decision Makers

Welcome to our series, Meet the Decision Makers, where we interview key decision makers on their influential roles within New Jersey. For this issue, we have State Senate President Nicholas Scutari. His verbatim responses are italicized below. Do you have an idea of someone you’d like us to interview? Email editor@njrealtor.com

Education, and Union County Freeholder before joining the State Senate.

What does the job of Senate President entail in the state of NJ?

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in public service?

My interest in public service began by performing community service work, achieving the status of Eagle Scout. The highlight of that process was organizing a community-wide blood drive, and it inspired me to continue as someone who uses their time to improve the lives of others. I also was a public school teacher, member of the Linden Board of

It’s a 24/7 obligation to the residents and taxpayers of the state. I post all legislation that goes to the floor of the Senate for a vote, preside over all discussion on the Senate floor, and work my hardest to cross political divides and find common sense solutions that benefit all New Jerseyans.

What have you been working on that would help the real estate market in NJ?

For me, New Jersey is the place you go to get things done. We’re attracting new businesses and new families every day. Critical to that will be continuing to tackle affordability issues affecting New Jersey residents. Working hard to reduce property taxes and providing more funding to schools, ensuring every child can have an excellent education throughout NJ remains a priority. We believe that with common sense legislation, we can help turn renters into homeowners and deliver the American dream for families across the state and those who choose to live in New Jersey.

What other issues have you been tackling as Senate President?

I’m working closely with the Speaker of the General Assembly and the governor’s office on budget negotiations. Additionally, we’ve tackled affordability and election transparency in some recent critical pieces of legislation.

What do you think is the most impactful piece of legislation you have worked on?

The legalization of cannabis was a passion project I worked on for two decades. When I first came to the Senate, they told me I

1 . Does Central NJ exist? Yes was crazy when I said I would get it legalized. Ultimately, we achieved it with the overwhelming support of the people of New Jersey, and I’m proud that I was able to be the driving force behind that important change.

2 . Go to Pizza topping: Pepperoni

3. Pork Roll or Taylor Ham: Pork Roll

4. Favorite Sports Team: Yankees

5. Dead or Alive, who is someone you would want to meet? Maternal Grandfather

The NEXUS Association of Realtors® Community Service Committee recently donated $4,000 to Hearts of Mercy, a local nonprofit organization based in Manahawkin focused on providing support, care, and guidance in the lives of disadvantaged children in the Barnegat and Manahawkin communities. The donation will support the organization’s mission of tutoring youth in the community.

The Sussex County Association of Realtors® donated $12,000 to the Sussex County Habitat for Humanity, which was a portion of the proceeds from their 11th Annual Golf Classic, and the funds will be used to build a new home in Franklin later this year. In addition to the donation, SCAR members, will be volunteering to help with the construction of the new home, and are excited to continue their partnership with the local Habitat for Humanity.

The Ocean City Board of Realtors® collaborated with the “Food Is Love, Share Some Love” drive to collect food and household items, including donations for the Humane Society of Ocean City. Donations included non-perishable goods, cleaning supplies, paper goods, and gift cards from Shoprite and ACME, and benefited local needy families through the Ecumenical Food Cupboard in Ocean City. The winter food drive showed love for residents of Ocean City, but also for the four-legged furry friends. Collections of donations for the pets at the Humane Society of Ocean City were included in this year’s winter food drive.

members present their donation to Habitat.

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